Corey Heim’s NASCAR Chicago qualifying failure left him out of the Cup Series field after toe link damage on his car ended his hopes on Saturday, July 6. The incident unfolded on the city streets as Heim admitted to a costly mistake, which ultimately kept him from racing despite solid recent performances.
Toe Link Mishap Ends Heim’s Bid in Chicago
Corey Heim was prepared for the NASCAR Cup Series challenge in Chicago, driving the No. 67 car for 23XI Racing. With the Craftsman Truck Series idle for the weekend, Heim seized the one-off Cup opportunity. However, an immediate slip-up on his first qualifying lap bent the car’s toe link, a fragile part that, once damaged, seriously impacts handling and speed. The resulting performance drop made it impossible for Heim to mount a competitive lap and qualify for the race.
Reflecting on the events, Heim fully accepted responsibility, clarifying on social media that the error was his own. The No. 67 entry never recovered its speed, and with Katherine Legge locking up the final spot in the grid, Heim was the only driver left out of the starting lineup for this marquee event. He had to watch from the sidelines, his car more than capable of making the field if not for the damaged component.
Next Gen Car Vulnerabilities Contribute to Outcome
The toe link issue, common in NASCAR’s Next Gen cars, drastically shifted the car’s handling, hampering Heim’s performance. While the cars are robust in most aspects, even minor contact can result in a bent toe link, which costs valuable speed and stability. After sustaining the damage in his initial circuit, Heim had no way to get in a clean lap and could not contest for a qualifying position.
The 23XI Racing team as a whole experienced mixed outcomes. Tyler Reddick excelled, grabbing a slot near the front in fourth. Bubba Wallace, the fastest driver in practice, suffered a crash during his qualifying attempt and will start 37th. Riley Herbst earned the 21st starting spot, showing just how unpredictable qualifying proved to be for the entire roster.
Heim’s Dominant Truck Series Win at Lime Rock
The tough outcome in Chicago came on the heels of Corey Heim’s headline-grabbing performance at Lime Rock Park. On June 28, 2025, he captured an emphatic win in the LiUNA 150, piloting the No. 11 Toyota Tundra for Tricon Garage. Heim commanded nearly the entire event, leading 99 out of 100 laps after posting the fastest qualifying time of 53.12 seconds and topping out at 100.17 mph. He lost the lead just once, briefly behind Layne Riggs, but quickly regained control for a decisive victory over defending champion Ty Majeski.
After the flag, Heim detailed his thorough preparation and the capabilities of his truck:
“Yeah, I mean, it’s nothing short of incredible, man, I mean, these these road courses I really look forward to them, you know, pre event and whatnot, and prepare pretty hard for them. So, to see that. I’ll pay off with safe flight truck onto at a super special. Obviously, a truck is so good today just can’t. Can’t complain, one bit about that, you know, fall this day and take that move forward and try to flex this year.”
—Corey Heim, Driver
What Lies Ahead for Corey Heim
The upcoming TSport 200 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park on July 25 represents Heim’s next chance to compete at the front. The race is set to air on FS1 and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio at 8 p.m. ET. After a challenging weekend in Chicago, Heim returns to Craftsman Truck Series competition aiming to continue his strong campaign for Tricon Garage. Meanwhile, the lessons from his Chicago setback will likely shape his approach to future Cup Series opportunities.
Corey Heim’s experience in Chicago highlights the fine line drivers walk during qualifying, where small mistakes—especially in fragile areas like the toe link—can carry enormous consequences even for highly capable teams like 23XI Racing. As the season continues, Heim’s journey through success and challenge remains a focal point for NASCAR fans and analysts alike.
